Water Activities

Recreational escapes on river, lake, and sea are plentiful. Maple Bay and Genoa Bay are two major pleasure cruising capitals in the Gulf Islands. Their respective marinas are modern, laden with facilities, and home to good dining spots.

Wilderness Kayaking in Maple Bay is the source for local moonlight paddles, day tours, and more. Kayak rentals can be had here as well.

Cowichan Bay is home to a maritime centre dedicated to the classic wooden boats of yesteryear; its annual festival is held in late June. Ocean Ecoventures sets off on whale-watching trips from the bay in a 10-person inflatable. Cowichan Bay Kayak & Paddlesports provides lessons and guided tours, while Gumboot Guiding does likewise with canoes. Seal and otter sightings to be expected.

Houseboating, fishing, and boating leave ripples on Lake Cowichan, one of the island's largest freshwater expanses. Warm Rapids Kayaking is the kayak operator in the area. Tubing and swimming is popular on the Cowichan River. Or take a dip in the generous indoor pool at the new Cowichan Community Centre in Duncan, home to the world's largest hockey stick.

Land Activities

Cycling and hiking options are plentiful in the region. Walkabouts in downtown Duncan will satisfy cravings for local fashions, art, and crafts. The Cowichan Valley Museum is in the old train station. In Lake Cowichan, the Kaatza Station Museum and Archives is also housed in a rail depot; displays here include recreations of a general store, post office, and mining tunnel.

Ride a vintage steam engine at the BC Forestry Discovery Centre, a five minute up-island drive from Duncan. On the way, pull off the highway at the Somenos Marsh Conservation Area to walk the trails in what ranks with the Cowichan Bay Estuary as the region's best birdwatching zone. Watch rehabilitated eagles, hawks, and turkey vultures take wing at Pacific NorthWest Raptors from April to Halloween.

Golfers head for the championship Duncan Meadows course at the foot of Mount Prevost. Other fine layouts: the Arbutus Ridge Golf Club (Mill Bay), March Meadows (Honeymoon Bay) and the Cowichan Golf & Country Club (south of Duncan). A menu of horseback trail rides into the forest and/or sunset is offered by Alpine Stables in Cobble Hill.

Nightlife & Games of Chance

The 730-seat Cowichan Theatre (2687 James Street, Duncan) is the Cowichan's largest performance venue. Jazz, pop, and classical music is heard here along with touring productions of popular Broadway productions. Acoustic music is showcased many nights of the year at the Duncan Garage Showroom, a charmingly intimate venue run by impresario Longevity John.

Chances Cowichan is a "gaming centre" (not casino) that resembles Vegas only in the ringing symphony of slot machines. Bingo is also played. Monetary losses here are cushioned by the knowledge that all profits go to worthy community organizations.

Festivals

First held in 1979, the 10-day Duncan Cowichan Summer Festival in mid-July brings music, parades and children's activities to downtown's City Square and Charles Hoey Park. The scene shifts later in the month to Providence Farm for the annual Island Folk Festival with its weekend line-up of local and touring musicians.

The region's epicurean set chow down at the Cowichan Wine and Culinary Festival in late September. Earlier that same month, the Cowichan Exhibition is a classic harvest celebration with horse shows, tractor pulls, and live music. The BC Forestry Discovery Centre hosts a series of special events year-round, including a maple syrup festival in February, an Easter egg hunt in April and Christmas steam train jaunts.

Driving Routes

Explore First Nations culture and history at the Quw'utsun' Cultural Centre, or indulge in the Cowichan Valley's food and wine offerings on a driving route through Duncan. Find out more about driving routes through the community: Driving Routes.